BJP gives credit to Nitish for Centre's compensation to riot victims

Patna, Jun 12 (UNI) The BJP today dubbed the decision of the UPA government at the Centre to give compensation to 1989 Bhagalpur riot victims on the pattern of 1984 riot victims as 'delayed' and gave full credit to the Nitish Kumar government.

President of the minority cell of the BJP and Bhagalpur MP of the party Shahnawaj Hussain told mediapersons here that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had sent a detailed proposal to the Centre for compensation to Bhagalpur riot victims in 2006 and made requests on several occasions for its clearance.

Despite repeated reminders from Mr Kumar, the UPA government took almost two years in clearing the compensation package for the riot victims, he lamented.

The BJP leader did not spare even RJD supremo and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad for his claim as champion of the minorities cause, saying he and his wife Ms Rabri Devi did not take steps for providing relief to Bhagalpur riot victims during their tenure as Chief Minister of Bihar.

Mr Hussain refused to give credit to Congress for clearance of the compensation package, saying it was rather sustained pursuit of the Chief Minister that forced the UPA government to take the decision.

The Congress government was in power at the Centre for several terms earlier after the tragic incident, but it never bothered to wipe the tears of Bhagalpur riot victims and the present decision could not place the party as protector of minorities' interests, he stated.

Asked about the failure of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in sending similar proposal to the Centre, Mr Hussain evaded a direct reply, saying the economic condition of the muslims was better than their counterparts in other states of the country. Earlier, the Union Cabinet had taken decision to sanction Rs 29.81 crore for payment of compensation to 1989 Bhagalpur riot victims on the pattern of 1984 anti-Sikh riot erupted after assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

As per the decision of the Union Cabinet, Rs 3.25 lakh was to be paid to the dependents of those killed, while Rs 1.25 lakh would be given to the people, injured in Bhagalpur riot.

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